NEWS@IMAGING

Keeping you one step ahead

Cables: Thoroughly Tested Before Delivery

29 Jul 2011

As vision systems evolve, we tend to see more cameras per system, faster data
rates and the use of network technology between the camera and PC.

All these factors increase demands on the cabling and poor cabling or
incorrect network switches can cause unreliable performance. It is important
that your cable provider uses the correct equipment to ensure poor cable
quality does not cause problems. We have invested in the latest Fluke cable
testing equipment to ensure our cables perform to the highest levels.

Quality assurance for your cables

Using the Fluke DTX Cable Analyzer™ we are able to identify faulty cables and
diagnose the fault type and location. Parameters like cable impedance,
capacitance, data skew and signal crosstalk are all analysed and can be
validated against cable specifications to ensure compliance. If required we
can even supply a test certificate for each cable tested. Used, The equipment
not only tests copper cables, but also optical fibres, where the purity of the
fibre ends and the attenuation of optical fibres can be documented.

Network Topology Measurement

The Fluke OptiView™ Series III Network Analyzer is used specifically for GigE
Vision cable installations and allows us to measure the throughput rate of
complete network topologies. We use this to validate the performance of
Ethernet switches and the cables we supply for GigE Vision applications. We
also offer this service to our customers to validate complete network
installations. Please contact our team of trained engineers for detailed
information in this service.
The testing defined to meet cable standard can be very different from how the
cable will be used. With camera link, every application can have a different
data speed and number of data taps defined by the camera and different cable
length defined by the mechanical layout.

STEMMER IMAGING in partnership with CEI have the capability to fully test a
specific CameraLink cable, not only to meet the standard but also to perform
tests in order to meet specific application requirements. This enables us to
provide a test on every CEI cable that it will not only meet the standard but
also work with the full range of cameras to the required cable length -
something we believe is unique.

The software generates a sequence of data bit combinations that tests the
crosstalk between every bit combination, changing at a range of data speeds.
This enables us to validate a cable such that it will work without corruption
at a specific cable length. While this may not be important for many mid range
cameras that operate at less than the 10m specification, it enables us to
validate the cable for use with the fastest cameras and also to validate
reliable operation when being used beyond the standard 10m length.

This means we provide validated cables that perform above and beyond the
standard in terms of cable length, with different cameras with different
maximum lengths. With this capability we are able remove the guesswork when
extending cable lengths.

If you have a need for this type of testing, just get in touch with our team
of trained engineers.

STEMMER IMAGING has been one of the leaders in the machine vision market since 1987. It is one of Europe's largest technology providers in this field. In 1997 STEMMER IMAGING presented Common Vision Blox (CVB), a powerful programming library for fast and reliable development and implementation of vision solutions, which has been deployed successfully throughout the world in more than 40,000 imaging applications in various industries.

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